Airman working to find voice

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — Cannon airmen may sometimes wonder who they can talk to or voice their opinions about things they would like on base or would like to see done differently.

For those situations airmen should seek the help of the Cannon Junior Enlisted Council, a group that represents all grades of airmen from basic to senior.

“We’re trying to give the airmen on base a voice,” said Airman 1st Class Bryan Karason, CJEC vice president.

“They could be a huge voice,” said Chief Master Sgt. Ray Clark, 27th Fighter Wing command chief.

With 1400 airmen on base, they represent the majority of the base populous, but unfortunately the council hasn’t grown, said Clark.

“Just by virtue of their size, they can be a huge organization,” said Clark. Airmen say there’s nothing to do here, then hey, change it, said the chief.

“The more voices you have, the easier it is to take care of the base populous,” said Clark.

To get airman to attend the meetings, “word of mouth is good. A friend tells a friend tells a friend,” said Karason. “Everyone starts to understand that we are here for (airmen)."

CJEC president, Airman 1st Class Kim Honeycutt, and Karason meet with different commanders, as well as Clark, regularly to discuss everything that’s happening on base.

Colonel Valentino Bagnani III, 27th FW vice commander, Colonel Scott West, 27th FW commander, and Chief Clark are very supportive of our organization, said Karason.

“They want this to really take off and start running,” said Karason.

“They’re the kind of people who believe we should have a voice,” added Honeycutt. “We’re the mouthpiece for airman. Whatever complaints, concerns, comments they have we send it up the chain and relay it back."

“We’re here as advisers, but it’s an airman’s council,” said Chief Clark. “We’re here to help and here to open doors for (airman)."

“It gives airmen a broader view of the Air Force,” said Honeycutt. “It’s a great way to make friends too."

“It’s our chance to have everyone come together and make a uniform base for airmen on what we would like to see,” said Karason.

“As far as active-duty, they’re by far the biggest voice and I’d love to see them be an active voice on base as a council,” said Clark.

CJEC can also help airmen who have ideas they would like to see get implemented. By discussing their idea with CJEC and having them put it out there it helps add weight to any idea an airman might have.

To help raise money for future morale-boosting events, CJEC holds various fundraisers and have done such things as car washes and golf tournaments to help get them off the ground. The profits are used towards future fundraisers and recreational activities.

CJEC meets on the second Wednesday of every month at various buildings to discuss past and future events, as well as any complaints or situations they would like to see resolved.

For airmen interested in more information about CJEC call Karason at 784-4165.